Political Commentator Candace Owens Intensifies Criticism of Erika Kirk’s Behavior Following Husband’s Death

Candace Owens continues her public criticism of Erika Kirk’s behavior following the death of her husband Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA. The controversy has intensified after footage resurfaced showing Erika crying over her husband’s open casket, a video that Owens claims exemplifies inappropriate conduct during the mourning period.

The dispute gained renewed attention when internet personality Zach Costello reshared the controversial casket footage on social media platform X. The video shows Erika grieving over Charlie’s body, kissing his hand while expressing her love for him – all while being filmed. Costello argued that the public has a right to criticize Erika’s behavior, writing: “Everyone was rooting for Erika Kirk and TPUSA after Charlie died. They are the ones who turned everyone off.”

Owens, a former Turning Point USA employee herself, quickly responded with additional allegations. She claimed the person filming wasn’t a personal friend but rather “the head of fundraising at Turning Point USA.” Owens further alleged that “Erika did not bring a single personal friend or family member to Utah with her,” despite Vice President JD Vance reportedly offering to transport people aboard Air Force Two. According to Owens, this behavior falls outside normal grieving practices.

The controversy extends beyond the casket video. Observers recently noted that a wedding photograph visible on a bookshelf in Charlie’s office had been removed in a newer image showing Erika in the same space, replaced with what appeared to be a decorative scroll. Critics interpreted this change as Erika “erasing” her husband’s memory too quickly after his September 2025 shooting death.

In January, Owens released an audio recording allegedly capturing Erika discussing Charlie’s memorial event in business terms. In the recording, Erika can be heard discussing attendance figures and merchandise sales with apparent enthusiasm, describing the memorial as “an event of the century” while praising the TPUSA team’s efforts. The cheerful tone, coming just 11 days after Charlie’s death, surprised many observers and fueled further speculation about Erika’s sincerity.

The ongoing conflict between Owens and Erika reached another flashpoint in December 2025 when Erika requested privacy regarding her husband’s burial location during an interview, stating she wanted her family to “have one thing they could hold sacred.” Owens characterized this as “Meghan Markle Syndrome,” suggesting Erika wanted to control public access to her grief while simultaneously publicizing other aspects of her mourning.

Erika has also drawn scrutiny for launching a “Make Heaven Crowded” tour, which she describes as an effort to continue Charlie’s faith legacy. Critics have questioned the timing and motives behind this public initiative so soon after her husband’s death.

Social media reactions to the controversy have been divided. While some users express sympathy for Erika, others have embraced conspiracy theories about her behavior and intentions. Some commenters have noted what they perceive as limited interaction between Erika and Charlie’s parents during White House memorial events, further fueling speculation.

The public dispute highlights the complex intersection of grief, public figures, and social media in the modern political landscape, raising questions about appropriate mourning behaviors for those in the public eye and the boundaries of privacy following high-profile deaths.